Leadership Communication Do’s and Don’ts

The best leaders on the planet are known for being great communicators. They have become skilled at getting messages across to others. Messages about vision, purpose, strategy, direction, projects…. Everything! A great leader can clearly and compellingly explain to ALL members of the team what they want and expect so that everyone can easily follow.

Interestingly though, you will never hear leaders say certain things.

Stay Away From These Phrases for Effective Leadership Communication:

“Try” – The word ‘try’ is just a convenient excuse for not getting things done. If mediocre managers are not successful at getting something completed, they can always say; “Well, at least I tried.” Is there any wonder why they are mediocre?

“Hope” – Hope is not a management tool. Using the word ‘hope’ in our daily leadership communication really means: “There isn’t a plan and I am not completely confident I think this will work.” People usually follow a manager that relies on ‘hope’ out of curiosity or fear, neither of which you want!

“It’s not my fault” – the worst thing a leader can do is not step up to taking 100% responsibility for something that wrongly happened or did not happen. Not taking responsibility means: “as a leader, I cannot be relied upon or trusted.”

“Because, that is the way we have always done it” – When I hear a manager say this, they are really telling me: “my mind is completely closed to new ideas and ways of thinking. I do not believe that there is potentially a better way nor do I want to hear about it.”

“That’s not fair” – three-year-olds and teenagers say this – not leaders. Life is full of ups and downs. Great leaders groove with the ambiguity that life throws at us. And when life throws us a surprise, great leaders figure out a solution. They don’t wallow in self-pity – blaming everything and everybody for their situation.

So next time, if you ever catch yourself saying any of these words or phrases, maybe re-think what you’re really wanting to communicate and choose some different words!